Word

deputy

noun C1

/ˈdɛpjəti/

Meanings

noun

a person appointed to act for or assist a leader or official

noun

a law enforcement officer who works under a sheriff

Definition

A deputy is a person appointed to act for or assist someone in authority, especially in government or law enforcement.

A deputy is someone chosen or assigned to do a job on behalf of another person, often a senior official. Deputies support leadership, take responsibility for specific tasks, and may make decisions when the main person is absent. The word is common in public institutions, such as councils, parliaments, and sheriff’s departments.

Examples

As the deputy, I briefed the committee while the chair was delayed by travel.
The mayor introduced her deputy to the press to explain the new schedule for public works.
When the sheriff was out of town, the deputy coordinated the response and kept everyone informed.
They consulted the deputy before finalizing the policy because he had managed the earlier negotiations.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse deputy with disciple or assistant; a deputy is specifically someone officially appointed to act for another person in authority.